Manila, Sept. 29 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday welcomed plans to reallocate part of the flood control budget to support Filipino farmers.

The Office of the President earlier announced the reallocation of PHP255 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) flood control program to other priority programs of various agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Health (DOH).

In an ambush interview, Tiu Laurel said the additional funds would help farmers recover from losses.

He also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ...